Top Things to Do in Thailand

The monsoon season from June to October brings heavy rainfall, affecting the Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi) and making beach activities less enjoyable. September and October typically see the most intense rain and occasional flooding in Bangkok and northern regions. That said, the east coast islands like Koh Samui have different weather patterns, with their wettest months being October to December.

Bangkok's Grand Palace and Wat Pho are essential stops, while Chiang Mai in the north offers temple-filled old city streets and nearby mountain villages. The southern islands like Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui provide beaches and limestone cliffs, and Ayutthaya's UNESCO-listed ancient ruins are just 90 minutes from Bangkok. For something different, consider Sukhothai's historical park or the northeastern Isaan region for authentic Thai culture with fewer tourists.

Package tours in Thailand typically range from 5-day Bangkok-Phuket combinations (around $500-800) to 10-14 day multi-city tours covering Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and southern beaches ($1,200-2,000). Many travelers find better value booking flights and hotels independently, as Thailand's tourism infrastructure makes self-guided travel straightforward. If you prefer packages, look for ones that include domestic flights, as buses between regions can take 10+ hours.

The Grand Palace complex in Bangkok (500 baht entry) remains Thailand's most visited site, while Wat Arun and Wat Pho round out the capital's temple circuit. Phi Phi Islands and Railay Beach near Krabi offer dramatic limestone scenery, and Chiang Mai's Doi Suthep temple provides mountain views over the city. Ayutthaya Historical Park (50 baht entry) gives you temple ruins you can explore by bicycle, just an hour north of Bangkok.

Start with Bangkok for 2-3 days to see the Grand Palace, take a boat through the canals, and experience the street food scene in areas like Chinatown. Head north to Chiang Mai for temples and night markets, or south to islands like Koh Tao for diving or Railay Beach for rock climbing. Consider adding Ayutthaya's ruins or the Erawan waterfalls near Kanchanaburi if you have extra time.